Oklahoma Basketball: Breaking down Sooners projected 2019-20 rotation

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 24: Head coach Lon Kruger of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

6 of 7

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: Kristian Doolittle #21 of the Oklahoma Sooners handles the ball against Devontae Shuler #2 of the Mississippi Rebels in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Power Forward

Minutes allocation (40 total): Kristian Doolittle (20), Victor Iwuakor (15), Brady Manek (5)

Doolittle

The Big-12 most improved player put up 11.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting .502% from the field last season.

In March, he really showed out with a 19-15-5 stat line I previously mentioned when I quickly discussed him in the small forward section, but let’s dig a little deeper. If I had to compare his 6’7 237-pound frame to a college player in the past, I would Bring up Draymond Green, or a more recent Grant Williams. Those are big names, but if Doolittle can build off of last March, he can be an NBA prospect like those two were.

He’s mobile for his size like those two were, being a mismatch as far as him being faster than other college power forwards, and stronger than small forwards. He’s a good rebounder for his size, and has shown us he can be a capable passer, however, Williams & Green are much more polished in that area.

His senior season, with possibly more time at the small forward position, Doolittle could build on a strong finish last year, and make a case to be a 2nd round NBA draft prospect being a unique small ball 4.

Iwuakor

The young, athletic, versatile, shot-blocking big man Victor Iwuakor I think will step in right away and provide quality minutes at the 4, allowing Doolittle some freedom to showcase his skills at the 3. Iwuakor will be a burst of energy, or a spark if you will, for this Sooners team providing thunderous dunks and alley-oop slams, as well as being a rim protector at times for this team as well. I’m super high on the kid. He’s not one-dimensional, he can switch onto guards and hold his own and is capable of taking a handoff, putting the ball on the floor and finishing at the rim, or slashing from the wing, or attacking from on top of the key to providing some buckets inside. What could turn him into a legit NBA prospect is if he can develop a smooth shooting stroke during his years at OU. It’ll be interesting what this kid can become.

Manek

Manek’s most natural position is being a stretch 4, he won’t get much time there due to team needs, but Manek will get a hand full of minutes and will still play a similar pick and roll/pop role. We will talk a little more about the Larry Bird look alike when we discuss the centers.

Home/Oklahoma Sooners